So in Pope Benedict’s resignation we see heroism. He explained his decision simply: “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.”

It strikes us that in these words are a recognition of today’s new realities. Modernity has brought a longer human lifespan — but it has also meant increased demands on the papacy. Pope Benedict no doubt believes that the cost to the faithful of an incapacitated pope is unacceptably high; having reached that conclusion, he is now following through in the way we have come to expect: with no regard for ego.

Some are suggesting that the church should select a non-European as pope in an acknowledgment of the church’s declining influence there and its growth in Africa, Asia and Latin America. That would represent a break with the past, but so does Benedict’s resignation. And, in any case, traditions can outlive their usefulness. With all the church is facing, perhaps it’s time to make a bigger kind of change.

Over the next few weeks, lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo will work to craft a spending plan that includes aid to New York's school districts.

This plan needs to be about more than education. If New York is going to truly give its youngest citizens their best possible shot at rewarding, productive lives, the governor and lawmakers must envision this as a plan to make a serious dent in poverty.